Barça faced off against Bayern in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League in Munich. Barça lost the leg yet advanced through to the final, courtesy of a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou.
Busquets and Mascherano don’t work well together.
Against a team like Bayern, one that keep possession well, Barça should not have played with two defensive midfielders. Simply stated, Mascherano and Busquets cannot keep possession like Barça’s usual midfield three. This was apparent much through the second half. Barça lost the ball in comical fashion, getting dispossessed repeatedly. Each time Bayern were invited to attack Ter Stegen's net, scoring three goals in the process. Xavi’s substitution proved unhelpful, and Bayern continued their pressure until the final whistle.
Suárez’s substitution was crucial
Luis Suárez was pulled off at halftime with a hamstring problem, something that proved vital for Bayern’s resurgence. Luis Enrique made the correct call in taking him off, and replacing him with Pedro, to prevent further aggravation of the injury. The substitution highlighted Suárez’s importance to the team, despite this being his first year at the club. It is safe to assume that Suárez’s tenacity to chase every ball was sorely missed in the second half. Barça's pressing was noticeably gone, allowing Bayern to move the ball with ease, and create chances.
Xavi reaches 150
If people were not aware of Xavi's legend, this might shed some light. Xavi has now made 150 Champions League appearances in his career, more than any other player in the history of the competition. Though most of his appearances this season have been off the bench, Xavi remains a vital member of the Barcelona squad. With experience, skill, passing, and intelligence, Luis Enrique has got a quality bench player. It is not all happy though, as this might be Xavi’s final season at Barcelona. Playing in the Champions League final might provide one final memory for the midfield Maestro.
Neymar continues to mature
Scoring a total of fifteen goals last season, Neymar’s first season with Barcelona was an underwhelming one. It was understandable seeing as it was his first season in Europe. This season has been much different. He has scored thirty nine goals in all competitions for Barcelona, including twenty two in the league, and nine in the Champions League. Recently Neymar has struck a rich vein of form. He has scored nine goals in seven games in all competitions so far. With four games left in the season, Neymar could very well score over forty goals.
Four games to the treble
Two of Barça's upcoming four games include a Champions League Final, and a Copa Del Rey final. The other two games include a face off against Atletico Madrid, and Deportivo at home. Barça is well on for the treble. With a possible La Liga strike looming, Barça can win the league without playing the last two games. The possibility of the Copa Del Rey final being dismissed to a later date looks likely as well. Either way, Barça is ready to win all three trophies.
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